Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

7 Big Men’s Style Mistakes We’ve All Made

July 10, 2012 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

1. Buying a suit that’s one size too large.

99% of us have made this $300 – $500 mistake.  It’s usually our first adult suit, a sales associate in the Men’s section of a department store was helping us out, and we thought it looked pretty sharp at the time.  Alterations would be done by their in-house tailors.  It comes back, you wear it… and it fits you like a garbage bag.  The shoulder pads are jutting out.  There’s some contour at the waist, but you feel like you’ve got half a foot on either side.  Sh*t.

2. Believing a shirt, tie, and dress pants = dressed up.

Yes it’s possible to look great wearing just a shirt and tie, but it’s not easy.  A jacket of some sort is what most often separates the men from the boys stylistically.  A shirt and tie is the homecoming dance uniform.  That says a lot.

Just a shirt & tie can look unfinished.  Suggestions for a little more, or a little less, here.

3. Getting a haircut a day or two before a big event

And of course, it doesn’t go as you had hoped. Wait until after the big day. Whatever it is. Of course you want to look your best on your wedding day, class reunion, big presentation at work, etc… but know that more often than not, us guys look our best a good week or two after we’ve gotten a trim. Plan accordingly.

4. Not knowing your measurements, and suffering the consequences

Similar to #1, but can result in bad shirt/pant purchases as well as awful fitting rental tuxedos. For example: I was lucky enough to stand up in a pal’s wedding more than a few years back.  The wedding was out of town so I had to go get measured for a tux locally then pick it up from another shop after arriving on site.  The employee measured me and called it in.  The size she came up with?  A 42.  Long.  I’m friggin’ 5’10” on a GOOD day.  165 pounds.  Had no clue what it meant.  I could have smuggled 5 kilos of blow across a border in that jacket.  Knowledge is power.  Know your sizes, and get some help from The Effortless Gent here.

Knowing your measurements, and also know what must fit, and what can be fudged.

5. Dry cleaning way too much

It’s absolute hell on fabric and construction, especially if you’re on a budget and wearing fused suits.  Dry cleaning can melt that fusing, and when the fusing glue dries it’ll leave goofy looking wrinkles under the shell.  It’s also really rough on wool.  Unless your suit stinks of cigarettes, booze, or you’ve sweated like a pig in it, hang it up to air out then have it pressed or steam it yourself.

6. Wearing chunky, sporty sunglasses when dressed up.

It’s not quite like wearing running shoes with a suit, but  it’s worth investing in a pair of wire frames or classic, slimmed down plastic frames like the New Wayfarer.  You’ll look noticeably better at those summer weddings.

Well proportioned wire frames won’t lead you astray.  Leave the sport shades at home when dressed up.

7. Putting too much stock in rules and lists

Like this very list perhaps?  Anyway, getting dressed is a bit like cooking.  There are three types:

  1. Those who get intimidated by the whole damn thing, give up, and feel totally lost.
  2. Those who strictly follow the ingredients and guidelines and get the job done.
  3. Those who can improvise and put their own spin on a tried and true formula, or even wing it from scratch.  Bravo to those who are okay if they have to scrap the final product.  They enjoyed the attempt.

Lucky you if you haven’t made these mistakes along the way.  Agreements, disagreements, and additions can go in the comments section below.  Top Photo Credit: jepoirrier

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Dappered Classics, Etc., Grooming Tagged With: list, mistakes

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Chelsea boots, suede sneakers, and a lot of dress oxfords. Ranking the 10 best from one of AE’s biggest sales of the year.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.